
Guide & Gun operates from Edgemont, South Dakota—the far southern edge of the Black Hills, just 30 minutes from Hot Springs and 1.5 hours from Rapid City's regional airport. Eric Nelson runs the lodge and guide operations with a focus on heritage, tradition, and ethical harvest. Buffalo (Bison) Avai...
Own Elk Hunting in South Dakota?
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Full description and what we offer
Guide & Gun operates from Edgemont, South Dakota—the far southern edge of the Black Hills, just 30 minutes from Hot Springs and 1.5 hours from Rapid City's regional airport. Eric Nelson runs the lodge and guide operations with a focus on heritage, tradition, and ethical harvest.
All hunts are all-inclusive with lodging, meals, trophy prep, and storage. Corporate and group bookings available.
Not fancy, but functional and welcoming. The lodge features: - Modern amenities in home-style format - Ranges to practice between hunts - Flexible daily schedule based on your preferences - Home-cooked meals daily - Stocked bar with beverages - Private relaxation areas with scenic views
"Not too fancy and a darn good time." — Clifton Reasor, Co-Founder
Sandhills native with western heritage roots. Nelson: - Manages lodge and guide operations with his family - Long-range shooting enthusiast - Puts on annual competitions and classes in off-season - Humble and composed with a cowboy attitude - Tailors experiences to guest goals with a focus on reverence for harvest - Experienced with both traditional and modern firearms technology
Guide & Gun maintains privately managed herds on their ranch. Key facts:
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Are they wild? | Yes—same instincts as wild animals, minimal human interaction outside hunting |
| Are they actually hunted? | Yes—these animals experience pressure and heightened alertness, especially later season |
| Why ear tags? | South Dakota requires external ID of private herds for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) tracking |
| Conservation vs. Commercialization? | Both—they promote inclusion while maintaining herd health through management practices |
Guide & Gun maintains a gun and gear library featuring: - Traditional rifles with historical significance (Sharps rifle inspiration) - Modern precision long-range rifles with latest optics - Rental rifle options - Focus on marksmanship fundamentals training - Equipment tailored to traditional or modern hunting preference
Edgemont, South Dakota sits on the western edge of the Black Hills: - 30 minutes from Hot Springs - 1.5 hours from Rapid City Regional Airport - Easy driving distance to Mount Rushmore and Badlands National Park - Access to vast terrain ranging from prairie flats to wooded hills
Any coyotes encountered during your hunt are fair game at no additional charge if you possess a valid South Dakota Predator/Varmint hunting license.
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